3 weeks on, nightly protests over Mir Raza’s murder continue in Karachi

On the third week of protests over the murder of Mir Raza Ali in Karachi, demonstrators continue to gather on Sharea Faisal near Nursery every night. They gather to demand justice and vow to persist until those responsible for his death are arrested. Mir Raza Ali's body was found on July 29, with a gunshot wound, in a desolate spot in Gulistan-i-Jauhar. Despite over 26 days having passed since his murder, the identity of his killer(s) remains unknown, prompting civil society to take to the streets daily.

The Nursery bus stop has become a focal point for these protests, where a large banner displaying 'Justice for Mir Raza' is prominently displayed. Protesters include Raza's family and friends, as well as numerous men, women, and children of various ages who have come together to demand the arrest of Raza's killers and their punishment.

During a recent demonstration on Saturday night, protesters blocked both tracks of Sharea Faisal and staged a sit-in until the early hours of Sunday. They expressed their defiance and solidarity through clapping and chanting while demonstrating their commitment to the cause. Many participants raised their hands and chanted slogans demanding justice, holding placards and banners bearing the words 'Justice for Mir Raza.'

Some others addressed the crowd from the stage, sharing memories of Raza and emphasizing the killing as an assault on Karachi's young people.

The protest atmosphere is characterized by a mix of emotions, including chants such as "Mir, hum sharminda hain, tere qatil zinda hain" (Mir, we are ashamed, your killers are still free) and "Allah ka qanoon hai, khoon ka badla khoon hai" (It is Allah's law; blood must be avenged with blood). In other moments, speakers aim to keep Raza's memory alive while emphasizing that his killing is not just the loss of an individual but an assault on the hopes and aspirations of Karachi's youth.

The stage is filled with chants like "Mir lives on, he lives on; he lives on in the face of brothers, he lives on in the face of sons; Mir lives on."

The protest is broad-based, with protesters representing various walks of life, including women, men, and children. Participants have come with their families or taken time off from their daily routines to join the demonstration. One woman known as "Apa" explained that, although she had met Raza only once, she could not tolerate his murder and continues attending the protest until justice is provided. She expressed hope that the truth would emerge and those responsible for Raza's death would be brought to justice.

Protesters also criticize the authorities for their perceived disregard for the grieving family. They allege that the powerful believe people would grow tired of protesting, but they assure that they will continue standing for Raza, regardless of the time required.